Tel Aviv on Fire
Tel Aviv on Fire

Movie spotlight

Tel Aviv on Fire

2018
Movie
100 min
Hebrew

Salam, an inexperienced young Palestinian man, becomes a writer on a popular soap opera after a chance meeting with an Israeli soldier. His creative career is on the rise - until the soldier and the show's financial backers disagree about how the show should end, and Salam is caught in the middle.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes83%
Metacritic64/100
Google Users85%
Director: Sameh ZoabiGenres: Comedy, Drama

Plot Summary

A young Palestinian man working as an intern on a popular Palestinian TV soap opera finds his life intertwined with the show's success when the Israeli security chief at a checkpoint becomes a fan and starts influencing the plot. What begins as a simple way to get to work on time quickly escalates into a surreal negotiation between art and occupation. The protagonist must navigate the demands of both his ambitious TV producer and the increasingly involved security chief.

Critical Reception

Tel Aviv on Fire was generally well-received by critics, who praised its unique premise, humor, and ability to tackle sensitive political issues with a light touch. Audiences also found it to be a charming and thought-provoking comedy that offered a fresh perspective on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

What Reviewers Say

  • A surprisingly funny and insightful satire on the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

  • Praised for its original concept and the nuanced performances of its lead actors.

  • Successfully balances humor with poignant commentary on daily life under occupation.

Google audience: Audiences appreciated the film's clever humor and its ability to present a difficult subject matter in an accessible and engaging way. Many found the plot inventive and the characters relatable, leading to a positive overall viewing experience.

Awards & Accolades

Won the Audience Award at the Tribeca Film Festival and the Golden Star at the Marrakech International Film Festival.

Fun Fact

The film's title is a direct reference to the popular Palestinian soap opera 'The Upside-Down Road' (also known as 'Tel Aviv on Fire' in the film), which is set in Ramallah and tells the story of a Palestinian spy who infiltrates the Israeli military.

AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources

My Review